[Fieldsy]

I apologise to repost this, but I wasn't getting any feedback from general cleaning forum, and I did originally post it in Window cleaning. Just a quick reply from someone would be fine, just to advise if I have my house in order with the list I have. Thank you

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Firstly, Hi from a newbie, what a fantastic forum. Up until now, I've only been managing to view archives through google until my registration was accepted, and now here I am.
I worked as a printer for 20 years for a bunch of *****, who knew less about the job than me, but thought they knew more!!!.
  I was on permanent night shift, which was no good to man or beast, and I decided to jack it all in. I was on £400 week for terrible conditions and unsociable hours.

I honestly think I can better this, with some hard graft and common sense and would like to take up the challenge of window cleaning and at last being my own boss.

Firstly, I'd like to ask is £400 a week feasible in the trade, as that is what I've been used to and anymore would be a bonus.

I've read most of the start up forums, and come up with this as a strating pack.
Would/could you advise please.

Unger Scraper
Unger Pro Handle
12" Channel
18" Channel
14" Applicator Bar
Unger Microstrip Washer Sleeve
20 litre Bucket with lid
Quick release belt
Bucket on a belt
Waterproof Pouch
Scrims

I can get all of this close to £120.00 from cleantech or facelift window cleaning direct, which I didn't think was bad. Is there anything you would advise or against in that little bundle.

I would also like advice on rubbers if poss please.

Ladder, I would like some advice on please and a pole ??

Thanks for any input, its much appreciated. I have business cards and flyers ready and can't wait to start a new venture. I know its not going to happen overnight, but I'm excited none the less.

thanks again

Fieldsy

[Ian W]

Looks good as a starter kit, but you might want to use microfibre cloths instead of scrim. Maybe try both and see what you prefer?

Rubber seems to be a personal preference, but try pulex and ettore to begin with.

It depends what ladders you want. If it is the usual trade ladders, then try Titan from Midland ladders. You can get the yellow safety feet added for about £15 - well worth it in my opinion. Get some ladder mitts too.
If you want the pointer ladders, then you will find they are great for windows, but not for cleaning out gutters and the like.

As you are getting Unger kit, their poles might be the best for you. Try Soap National - that's where I bought mine.

Don't forget, water fed poles give you the opportunity to reach windows that can't be done trad and will help keep you safe. You can add a backpack setup to your armoury for about £500.

Best of luck with the new venture. Just remember, it takes time to build up a good round.

[Fieldsy]

Hi Ian,

Thanks so much for the reply. I am really looking forward to it. I'm possibly taking over an established commercial round with 40 customers, so hoping thats a good start, and also going to throw some more flyers and business cards around.

I've just priced it all up again, and got it down to about £100 with rubbers...ettoire

and I'll take your advice on microfibre instaed of scrims. I was reading a thread on cleaning leads, and a majority advised a wet (with cleaning solvent) and then a dry..........thats why I went for scrims........but if you suggest Microfibre I'll give that a go.

Could you advise a good place for the water fed system Ian for the £500 ish or therabouts

Thanks for the info regards Titan ladders, just looked at Midland ladders, seem quite reasonable with free. Is there standard height that you would deem necessary Ian.

thanks again
Fieldsy

[bonsey]

where you from ian

[Ian W]

where you from ian

Portsmouth. Why? 

[Scrimble]

i'd highly recommend buying a ladderm8rix, ladder base mate stailiser, a stand off bracket and some ladder mitts, i have these and got them from midlands ladders,

you will need these tools when working trad

[Ian W]

No worries Fieldsy. Lots of guys on here helped me when I started.

Buying established work is a good start. I concentrate on domestic work, so I can't give you much advice on commercial.  

Microfibre doesn't need to be broken in, scrim does. Most things in this game is down to personal preference, so give both a try.

You will probably have to shop around for the £500 system. Window cleaning warehouse does a backpack for about £80, get a small ro/di filter from Ro-Man for about £100 upwards, resin about £75, an unger pole (10m teleplus will do most things up to 3 storeys) about £80 from soap national, brush about £25, hose and fittings about £50, water butt to make the pure water in about £40, half a dozen 25 litre containers to fill up the backpack about £25.

Most seem to choose 3.5m ladders. I would struggle with those on a few houses, so I have 4m ladders.

Use the search facility on this forum too. You will find loads of info there, then you can ask more questions to clarify things you don't understand.